MBKS AND SWM EMPOWER YOUNG ENVIRONMENTAL CHAMPIONS THROUGH RECYCLING SEMINAR

MBKS Mayor, Dato’ Wee Hong Seng (centre), Deputy Mayor Dato’ Zaiedi Suhaili (second left), Director and Group CEO of SWM, Stephen Chin (second right), Cr. Drahman Jaladin (far left) and Cr. Albert Tay Seng Pin (far right) with the participating schools at the seminar.

Dato’ Wee Hong Seng delivering his speech during the launching ceremony.

Stephen delivering the welcoming speech at the recycling seminar.

Dato’ Wee and Stephen officiating the seminar by completing the Environmental Sustainability Activation Pledge, accompanied by Dato’ Zaiedi, Cr. Drahman and Cr. Albert.

Twenty primary and secondary schools under the jurisdiction of the Council of the City of Kuching South (MBKS) including a group of members from the Child Council Programme came together for the Recycling Seminar for Schools, an environmental education initiative aimed at inspiring young minds to take an active role in environmental protection, resource conservation and sustainability.

Jointly organised by MBKS and Sarawak Wastes Management (SWM) Sdn Bhd in conjunction with World Environment Day, the seminar provided an interactive platform for students to deepen their understanding of responsible waste management and explore practical ways to contribute towards a cleaner, greener and more sustainable future.

The event was officiated by MBKS Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng, and attended by SWM Director and Chief Executive Officer Stephen Chin and MBKS Environment and Tourism Committee Chairman Cr. Drahman Jaladin.

Dato Wee highlighted the importance of making environmental responsibility part of everyday life.

“Everyone has a responsibility to care for the environment. That responsibility continues throughout the year, through what we do at home, in school and in our neighbourhoods,” said Dato Wee.

Mr Stephen Chin, Director and Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of SWM, emphasised that responsible waste management requires shift in the way society views consumption, waste and the value of resources

“Waste management goes beyond the collection, treatment and disposal of waste. It begins with changing our mindsets, lifestyles and everyday habits to minimise waste generation at the source. We must recognise that waste is a valuable resource that can be recovered, recycled and transformed into new product,” said Chin.

A key highlight of the seminar was an interactive brainstorming and knowledge-sharing session, where students exchanged ideas and proposed practical solutions to address environmental challenges within their homes, schools and communities.

The seminar also featured the Environmental Sustainability Activation Pledge, an initiative designed to translate environmental awareness into meaningful and sustained action.

Through this collaboration, MBKS and SWM hope to encourage students to take ownership of their environmental commitments and inspire positive changes within their school communities and beyond.